Sir Henry Cotton's 1956 U.S. Open Contestant's Badge

        The great Henry Cotton won his three British Open Championships in the span of 1934 to 1948 but he traveled to the United States on a very limited basis. He only played in two US Opens-1931 and 1956. Oak Hill was the host venue in 1956 and at the age of 49, Cotton played all four rounds wearing this badge. Remarkably, he finished in a tie for 17th. This original contestant badge is in excellent condition. Provenance: Sotheby's London, July 1996 at the sale of Henry Cotton estate.